Local media footage also showed ambulances and fire trucks at the scene.
Istanbul:
At least four people were killed and 38 injured on Sunday in a strong explosion on a busy street in the heart of Istanbul, according to the local governor.
“According to initial reports, 4 people lost their lives and 38 were injured in the explosion that took place on Istiklal Street,” Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said on Twitter.
A video posted on Twitter showed flames and a loud bang was heard as pedestrians were seen turning and running away.
❗Blast hits central #Istanbul, local media report. pic.twitter.com/s95VcL1BRr
— NonMua (@NonMyaan) November 13, 2022
The explosion, the cause of which was unknown, occurred shortly after 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) in the famous Istiklal shopping street. The avenue, lined by shops and restaurants, is usually crowded as it’s popular with tourists and locals.
The nearby Kasimpasa police station said all crews were at the scene but gave no further details.
Local media footage also showed ambulances and fire trucks at the scene.
Istiklal avenue was affected during a series of attacks targeting Istanbul in 2015-2016 claimed by the Islamic State group.
Turkey’s RTUK regulator imposed a broadcast ban on coverage of the blast around an hour after it occurred.
